Responsibility - Hardcover

Lucas, J. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198240082 ISBN 13: 9780198240082

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1993

Synopsis

Responsibility is a key concept in our moral, social and political thinking, but is not itself properly understood. In this book J.R. Lucas elucidates it in terms of answerability--the obligation to answer the question: Why did you do it? He develops this account to include negative responsibility-- Why did you not do something about it?-- and shared responsibility, which together yield the rationale of political responsibility. In disentangling these two strands of argument, he points out potential conflicts between them within our ideal of responsible government. He exposes the flaws in consequentialism generally, and the utilitarian theory of punishment in particular, and argues for the insights of retributive theories but without their vindictiveness. He devotes separate chapters to rewards, money, and personal relations, outlines the fundamental principles of business and professional ethics, and finally touches on those issues that go beyond responsibility altogether.

About this title

About the Author

J. R. Lucas is at Merton College, Oxford.

Review

"Lucas involves the reader in his search to define responsibility. He is to be commended for tackling the topic in a thought-provoking manner. I applaud his intent to inform and to disturb our views on responsibility which may have become complacent."--The Journal of Consumer Affairs

"The book is...wide-ranging....Lucas makes a special effort to render the book helpful to students."--Mind

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0198240082
• ISBN 13: 9780198240082
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 306